The LuLac Edition #3446, March 9th, 2017

THE WEEKEND!!!!!!

U.S. MEDICAL OFFICIALS OPPOSE TRUMP-BACKED HEALTH PLAN AS DEMOCRATS TAKE AIM

Well almost every Doctor!!!!

The top U.S. doctors’ organization and several hospital groups came out strongly on Wednesday against a Republican plan backed by President Donald Trump to overhaul America’s healthcare system, as Democrats mounted a fierce battle to thwart the bill.
Trump and fellow Republicans in Congress campaigned last year on a promise to dismantle the signature domestic policy achievement of Democratic former President Barack Obama.
But they face resistance from conservatives in their own party who have condemned the bill as too similar to the law it is meant to supplant. Democrats, meanwhile, have denounced it as a gift to the wealthy that will take insurance away from millions of people.
Doctors and other providers said the bill would probably cause many patients to lose insurance and raise healthcare costs. The American Medical Association doctors’ group urged senior lawmakers in a letter to reconsider drastic changes to Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor.
The AMA, which supported Obamacare, said the replacement of income-based subsidies with age-based tax credits to help people buy insurance would make coverage more expensive, if not out of reach, for poor and sick Americans.
Obamacare, formally called the Affordable Care Act, enabled 20 million previously uninsured people to obtain coverage, about half through a Medicaid expansion the new bill would end.
Insurers are worried about the affordability of the tax structure and proposed major changes in Medicaid financing.
In a letter to Congress, America’s Health Insurance Plans, which represents Anthem Inc and others, indicated that was still a concern, despite many aspects of the draft that would help stabilize the individual insurance market.
Seven hospital groups, including the American Hospital Association, America’s Essential Hospitals and the Catholic Health Association of the United States, also voiced opposition, writing in a letter to lawmakers that the proposal could lead to “tremendous instability” for people seeking affordable medical coverage, including children, the elderly and disabled.
Nary a doctor except for new HUD Secretary Tom Price has stood by the Republican Congress’ new plan. However Sean Spicer the President’s spokesperson said there have lot of doctors who like it!
Yeah, right. (The Globe & Mail, LuLac)

TRUMP REFUSES TO DENOUNCE WIKI LEAKS

The President (Photo: CNN)

President Trump today did not denounce wikileaks which has had a relationship with the Russian propaganda platform RT. It seems like Trump seems to be okay with these leaks. Many say they are being orchestrated to deflect issues of incompetence on his administration’s part. More smoke, there’s a fire coming.

WOLF ONCE AGAIN SPEAKS OUT AGAINST AFFORDABLE CARE ACT CHANGE

Governor Tom Wolf (Photo: Wolf webpage)

Back as far as January Governor Tom Wolf warned what ramifications would come from the rescinding of the Affordable Care Act. In a statement he said,
"At the top of their agenda is repealing the Affordable Care Act, including the repeal of Medicaid expansion — which nearly 700,000 Pennsylvanians rely on for healthcare. In addition, 63,000 people suffering from addiction accessed drug and alcohol treatment through Medicaid. Even funding for vital treatment options in the fight against the heroin and opioid crisis isn’t safe under Trump’s plan.
I have met with people who received coverage for the first time under the Affordable Care Act and heard what it meant to them to not have to choose between insurance or paying the heating bill. I’ve held in my own arms a newborn baby suffering from heroin withdrawal. I’ve consoled daughters and sons who have lost a parent to a drug overdose. And I’ve seen the happiness of families reunited and moving forward after a loved one has completed treatment.
We cannot afford to repeal healthcare for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians or make cuts to Medicaid — especially in the wake of this public health crisis that affects so many of our friends, family members, and neighbors."

HOW REVAMPED TRUMP CARE AFFECTS PENNSYLVANIA

Preliminary analysis by Marc Stier, Director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, suggests that when the program is fully implemented, around 1 million low- and moderate- income Pennsylvanians will lose health insurance; the state budget will lose at least $2.5 to $3 billion in funding; at least 60,000 Pennsylvanians will lose their jobs, and over 4,000 Pennsylvanians per year will die prematurely.
Some key points from his organization:
•The bill would end new enrollments in the Medicaid Expansion program in 2020. Because incomes rise and fall, by the end of five years, most of the almost 700,000 Pennsylvanians who received health insurance through the Medicaid expansion will lose it. Our preliminary estimate is that the reduction in federal spending in Pennsylvania on the Medicaid expansion will be roughly $4 billion per year.
•The bill would create per-capita caps on traditional Medicaid spending. Because those caps do not take into account changes in the age and health status of Medicaid beneficiaries or above average increases in health care costs due in part to the development of new and costly procedures and pharmaceuticals, federal support for Medicaid will decline by a huge amount. That will cost Pennsylvania another $10 billion to $15 billion over ten years or $1.1 billion to $1.5 billion per year.
•The bill would have a devastating impact on Pennsylvania’s state budget. To maintain traditional and expanded Medicaid would cost the state roughly $5 billion per year. Even if the state declines to support expanded Medicaid, Pennsylvania-specific health care programs already on the books are required to pick up some of the those who lose insurance. That cost to Pennsylvania will be $1.1 billion a year. Thus, even without continuing to pay for expanded Medicaid, the state will need $2.6 billion to $3.0 billion a year to maintain traditional Medicaid.
•The bill would force states, most likely including Pennsylvania, that are unable or unwilling to make up the difference in federal support for traditional Medicaid to reduce Medicaid benefits. Eligibility for the program will be restricted, and coverage of medical procedures will be limited. Waiting lists will be created. Work requirements, that have little or no impact on work effort, but create additional paperwork that make it hard for people to secure benefits, will be created.
•The bill would force states to reduce Medicaid support for long-term care, which benefits middle-income as well as low-income seniors.
•The bill would replace the tax credits in the Affordable Care Act—which are adjusted for income and for the cost of health insurance—with new fixed tax credits that vary only with age. This shift benefits those who are younger and have higher incomes while hurting those who are older or have lower-incomes. Very few of the 321,000 Pennsylvanians who use tax credits to purchase health insurance on the health care exchange marketplace will be able to afford insurance under the Republican proposal.
In Philadelphia, for example, a 40 year-old who has an income of $20,000 will see their health insurance tax credit decline from $4,950 to $3,000. The tax credit for a 60 year-old at the same income level would drop from $11,600 to $4,000. But a 40 year-old with an income of $40,000 will see a tax-credit increase from $1,830 to $3,000 and a 40-year old with an income of $75,000 who does not receive a tax-credit now will get one of $3,000.
oSimilar results will be found in other parts of the state.
•Even if health insurance is cheaper, that insurance will have higher deductibles and more co-pays as ACA rules for health insurance are abandoned.
•The loss in federal funding in the bill would cost Pennsylvania at least 60,000 jobs, not only in the health care field but in other areas as well.
•We estimate that there will be at least 4,000 pre-mature deaths per year in Pennsylvania when the program is fully implemented in 2025.
The bill would lead to an increase in health insurance costs in the individual market as younger and healthier people delay getting health insurance until they become sick. The new tax credits for those with moderate incomes may not even offset the increase in health insurance costs.
Enactment of this proposed legislation would be a shameful episode in our history, as we turn our backs on providing health care and long-term care for millions of Americans and Pennsylvanians.

REP. CARTWRIGHT WILL HOST A “COFFEE WITH YOUR CONGRESSMAN” EVENT IN BRODHEADSVILLE

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo :LuLac archives)

I know this is not necessarily our coverage area but just wanted to point out how one local Congressman is not hiding from his constituents. Congressman Matt Cartwright will host a “Coffee with your Congressman” event in Brodheadsville on March 14, 2017. This event is an opportunity for constituents to discuss issues that matter to them directly with Congressman Cartwright.
This event is open to the public. RSVPs are not required.

When:

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Where:

Chestnuthill Diner

2187 Route 209

Brodheadsville, PA 18322

MEDIA MATTERS

THE IRREGULARS THINK TANK BREAKFAST

Attorney Tom Mosca (Photo: (The Irregulars)

The Irregulars Think Tank Breakfast will be held in Ballroom A on the second floor of The Irem Clubhouse at Irem Temple Country Club in Dallas this Saturday, March 11. Presenter will be Attorney Tom Mosca of Dallas who is raising awareness to the problem of Human Trafficking. During his presentation Human Trafficking – Hidden in Plain Sight, Tom will make us aware of the fact that human trafficking is occurring not only across the country and across the world, but right here in our backyard in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. followed by buffet-style breakfast at 9:00 a.m. Breakfast is over when the last person walks out the door. Cost is $11 and we ask that you reply to this email if you are planning to attend.
Human Trafficking - Hidden in Plain Sight - Attorney Tom Mosca is a graduate of Wyoming Seminary and Wilkes University. He earned a law degree from Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law in Washington, D.C. As a member of the American, Pennsylvanian, and Luzerne County bar associations, Tom received a five-star peer rating for the highest level of professional excellence in services and ethics by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings. As a representative of the Social Justice Committee at St. Theresa’s Church here in Shavertown, Attorney Tom Mosca serves as co-chair of the NEPA Task Force Against Human Trafficking. He also serves as Chair of the Community Awareness Committee. Tom gives us this Human Trafficking - Hidden in Plain Sight presentation on behalf of the task force.
Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery—a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to 20.9 million people around the world. And no matter where you live, chances are it's happening nearby. From the girl forced into prostitution at a truck stop, to the man discovered in a restaurant kitchen, stripped of his passport and held against his will. All trafficking victims share one essential experience: the loss of freedom.
During his presentation on Saturday, Tom will draw attention to the issue of human trafficking including things that people can see to help identify if someone is potentially a victim of human trafficking. Shining a spotlight on that very issue is important for all of us because often times human trafficking is in plain sight. “If you see something, say something,” said Mosca.
Tom is also open to dialogue on other topics that are tearing away at the very fabric of our society. “In addition to human trafficking, we also have an out of control heroin and opioid epidemic in our area,” he said. “The scope of that problem will most likely get worse before it gets better.”
Tom and his wife, Andrea have lived in the Back Mountain for the majority of their adult lives. They are the proud parents of two grown daughters, Hillary, 26, and Tori, 23.

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine.
Brian Hughes speaks with local author and educator Frank Goskowski about his book "Three Essays Three Revolutions" which discusses the impact of Martin Luther, Jean Jacques Rousseau & Karl Marx and their impact today.
Magic 93's Frankie in the Morning speaks with Pa. Secretary of Banking and Securities Robin Weissman about elder financial abuse.
And Brian speaks with Dr. Jonathan Prenner and Maryanne Cass about Low Vision Awareness.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X and Sports Radio 590, WARM and 6:25am on Magic 93.

ECTV

Our area has faced a string of emergency situations over the past month. Weather incidents ranging from a tornado, to hail and strong winds and fires that have forced a lot of people out of their homes. One agency, the Red Cross, has responded to all of these emergencies. ECTV Live hosts Rusty Fender, David DeCosmo, and Director Mark Migilore welcome Bill Goldsworthy to the program during the week of March 13th to discuss the overwhelming calls for assistance and volunteers that have followed these emergencies.

ECTV Live is seen on Comcast channel 19 (61 in some areas) and is aired three ties daily (Noon, 6pm, and Midnight) throughout the week. The program is also available for viewing on the Electric City Television's Youtube page.

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This week's guests are Peter Ouellette and Eric Bieski from RepresentUS, discussing their grass roots political activism. Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on NEPA Sports Radio-The Game 1400/1440 am and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. The show will run Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. on WILK, and on KRZ, Froggy and Max 102 early Sunday morning.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

KAREL ON THE STREET

Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and he heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP!!!!!

Bobby's show is back again live this Sunday @6PM on The River.

1977

Our 1977 logo.

Bank of America adopts the name VISA for its credit cards…..US extends territorial waters to 200 miles….. 1st time Jay Leno appears on Tonight Show…. Formula One driver Tom Pryce dies after colliding with a track marshal at the South African Grand Prix in Kyalami……..Statewide the Philadelphia Phillies say they will once again be contenders in the NL East and hope to get to the World Series…..in Luzerne County School Board races dominate early primary interest and 40 years ago the number one song in LuLac land and America was “New Kid in Town” by The Eagles.The song was released in '76 but made number one in 1977.